Knee Pain Overview

Knee pain can be caused by a sudden injury, an overuse injury, or by an underlying condition, such as arthritis. Treatment will vary depending on the cause. Symptoms of knee injury can include pain, swelling, and stiffness.

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Topic Overview

Most people have had a minor knee problem at one
time or another. Most of the time our body movements do not cause problems, but
it's not surprising that symptoms develop from everyday wear and tear, overuse,
or injury. Knee problems and injuries most often occur during sports or
recreational activities, work-related tasks, or home projects.

The
knee is the largest joint in the body. The upper and lower bones of the knee
are separated by two discs (menisci). The upper leg bone (femur)
and the lower leg bones (tibia and fibula) are connected by
ligaments,
tendons, and muscles. The surface of the bones inside
the knee joint is covered by
articular cartilage, which absorbs shock and provides
a smooth, gliding surface for joint movement. See a picture of the
structures of the knee.